THE ROLE OF GROUNDWATER-BASED PASTURE IRRIGATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSHUMANT LIVESTOCK FARMING IN THE ZHETYSU REGION

Abstract

In the arid climate of Kazakhstan's southern regions, the development of pasture livestock farming directly depends on a stable water supply. Groundwater, as a more reliable source than surface water, plays a key role in meeting the drinking needs of livestock and service personnel due to natural and climatic changes, anthropogenic factors, and the problem posed by the transboundary Ili river. The Ili river flows through two countries, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan. This article examines the results of hydrogeological studies conducted in the Zhetysu region aimed at assessing the state and potential of groundwater in the context of pastureland irrigation. An analysis of groundwater quality, salinity, and flow rates was conducted in various geological settings—foothill plains, sandy massifs, and intermontane basins. Field surveys included sampling from existing wells and boreholes, assessing the deterioration of water intake structures, and mapping water points.

The results revealed the presence of significant fresh and slightly brackish groundwater resources, suitable for livestock farming, among other needs. However, critical degradation of the water supply infrastructure was identified: most wells require reconstruction, and the level of mechanization remains low, as almost all hydrogeological wells were drilled during the Soviet era. Measures are proposed to restore and modernize the irrigation system based on current data, including the introduction of innovative technologies and enhanced interdepartmental cooperation. Government subsidies for agriculture, including drilling new hydrogeological wells, reach up to 70%. The need to restore water intake structures and implement modern approaches to groundwater management for the sustainable development of pasture-based livestock farming is substantiated.